10 Outlandish Oregon Rock Formations Worth Every Mile Of Hikes & Rough Driving

Oregon’s diverse geology has created a stunning array of rock formations, from volcanic fissures and painted hills to sea stacks and hoodoos. Here are 10 of the most outlandish and awe-inspiring rock formations in Oregon, each offering a unique adventure for those willing to hike, scramble, or drive rough roads to reach them.

1. Smith Rock State Park

Located in Terrebonne, Smith Rock is an iconic destination for climbers and hikers alike. Towering volcanic spires and dramatic cliffs rise above the Crooked River, with trails like Misery Ridge offering panoramic views and close encounters with formations such as Monkey Face.

2. Crack in the Ground

This ancient volcanic fissure in Central Oregon is over two miles long and up to 70 feet deep. Hike down into the crevice for a surreal experience, but use caution—some sections are steep and potentially hazardous.

3. Painted Hills (John Day Fossil Beds National Monument)

The Painted Hills, part of the John Day Fossil Beds, are famous for their vibrant, multi-colored layers of clay and ancient soils. Short trails like the Painted Cove boardwalk let you walk among the hills for otherworldly views.

4. Clarno Unit (John Day Fossil Beds)

The Clarno Unit features fossil-laden rock formations and dramatic cliffs. The Arch Rock Trail leads to impressive natural arches and evidence of prehistoric life embedded in the stone.

5. Leslie Gulch (Owyhee Canyonlands)

Deep in Oregon’s remote southeast, Leslie Gulch is a maze of towering volcanic tuff spires and hoodoos, rivaling the scenery of Utah’s national parks. The drive in is rough, but the views and solitude are unparalleled.

6. Jordan Craters

This volcanic field in Eastern Oregon features a vast, recent lava flow and the impressive Coffeepot Crater. The landscape is stark and lunar, with rough roads leading to the edge of the crater for hiking and exploration.

7. Owyhee Canyonlands

Nicknamed “Oregon’s Grand Canyon,” this vast wilderness boasts dramatic canyons and unique rock formations along the Owyhee River. It’s rugged, remote, and perfect for adventurous explorers seeking solitude and stunning geology.

8. Sea Stacks of Bandon Beach

Bandon Beach on the southern Oregon coast is renowned for its massive sandstone sea stacks, including iconic formations like Face Rock. These weathered giants rise from the surf, creating a surreal coastal landscape.

9. Arch Rock (Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor)

This natural arch is one of many spectacular sea stacks and coastal formations along the Samuel H. Boardman corridor. A short, accessible trail leads to dramatic cliff-top views of the arch and pounding surf below.

10. Cape Perpetua (Devil’s Churn, Thor’s Well, Spouting Horn)

The basalt coastline at Cape Perpetua features bizarre and powerful formations. Watch waves crash into Devil’s Churn, see water explode from Thor’s Well, and witness the geyser-like Spouting Horn—all accessible via scenic trails.

These rock formations showcase the wild, untamed beauty of Oregon’s landscapes, rewarding those who venture off the beaten path with unforgettable sights and experiences. Whether you’re hiking, scrambling, or braving rough roads, each destination is truly worth every mile.

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